With the popularity of the “m-learning” discussions we have several clients asking us about our capabilities and what their options are in this regard. Although technology exists to do almost anything in this regard there are several factors that we normally try to identify. The optimum way to employ any technology based learning program is to define the optimum point in the “cost-utility” curve.
Here are some basic ideas that we normally raise when we have this discussion:
- If the program is for a defined platform (i.e. BlackBerry only) the options for development are greater and the costs of deployment are lower.
- Defining your mobile application while building the original learning content and doing it at the same time is a great way to keep costs down.
- Methodology, mobile learning applications work best when used for delivering reference material or for learning aids. Not too many people want to participate in a complete learning experience on the mobile device.
- There are some killer apps, i.e. information for maintenance and other “field forward” situations.
- Keep the app simple so there is minimal user inertia.
- Delivering the content for the device browser is much easier than making native apps. This eliminates the need for the enterprise to have extensive tech support infrastructure.
M-learning is here to stay and is a winner delivering information into context aware environments allowing people to be productive. There are numerous ways to run a program and many opportunities to implement m-learning without breaking the bank. Implementing applications that get your constituents to ubiquitously use mobile content allows organizations to take advantage of the opportunity and scale as adoption grows.
